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Making The Right Choice

If you decide that you want to continue your studies at Ossett Sixth Form College, your first step, especially if you are applying from outside Ossett Academy, should be to come along for a visit. If you are not able to attend an Information Evening/Open Afternoon then please contact the college to make arrangements to visit on an alternative date where one of our post 16 team will be more than willing to show you around the Sixth from facilities and answer any of your questions. All applicants both internal and external must then apply online atwww.ucasprogress.co.ukor alternatively go to How to Apply to download a copy of our application form. An application must be submitted before you are invited to interview.

What courses are on offer?

We offer a wide variety of courses, some of which you will have studied up to Year 11, and others which are brand new and only available in the Sixth Form. In addition, we offer a number of advanced (Level 3) vocational courses.

There are some subjects that have a traditional exam focus such as A level Maths, Chemistry or Economics and there are others such as A Level Art or Textiles where the assessment is project-based and continuous throughout the course. It is important to make the choices that are right for you.

For some students spreading assessment throughout the course by studying project-based/vocational qualifications provides a much higher chance of success and therefore progression beyond Sixth form. For students who are mainly achieving C grades (with a couple of B grades) at GCSE, we recommend a certain number of project-based/vocational courses to help balance their workload.

All students are expected to study 3 A Level subjects or their equivalents. Any student who has not successfully gained a Grade C in GCSE Maths or English (Language) will be required to re-sit this Level 2 subject alongside their Level 3 A Level/Vocational studies.

All courses require you to show high levels of dedication and commitment to your studies. You will be required to sign a Learning Agreement at the start of each of your 2 years of study at the college.

What’s the best way to achieve success?

All the evidence suggests that probably the most important factor in ensuring success in the Sixth Form is to select the most appropriate courses at the start of Year 12. We want all students to leave our Sixth Form having been successful in their subjects and able to follow the university or employment path of their choice. This is a big decision to make and you will need to start thinking about your possible pathways as soon as possible in Year 11, make sure that you have been to see your careers advisor, speak to your subject tutors, their advice and guidance will all help make sure that you are making the correct decisions.

What if I want to follow a vocational pathway in the Sixth Form?

Many students will have studied a BTEC or OCR National in Year 11. If you have achieved a Merit, Distinction or Distinction* then you will be accepted onto the appropriate Sixth Form BTEC course.

For example, if you obtained one of the above grades on the BTEC ICT in Year 11, then you will be accepted onto the BTEC ICT in the Sixth Form as either a double or extended option. You do not have to have studied BTEC at Level 2 to be accepted onto a BTEC Level 3 course in the Sixth Form.

What advice will I be given about which pathway is best for me?

The college has a set of criteria to ensure that students access the courses which provide them with the best chance of success. These criteria will be referred to during your interview and then again at enrolment.

Exam-based subjects

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Computer Science

Drama and Theatre Studies

Economics

English Language

English Literature

French

Geography

German

Government and Politics

History

Law

Mathematics

Mathematics (Further)

Media Studies

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Sociology

Spanish

Coursework-based / Vocational subjects

Art & Design

Textiles

Business BTEC

Food Technology

BTEC Health & Social Care

ICT BTEC

Mathematics (Core)

Photography

Sport BTEC

Please note that all courses offered are subject to there being enough students opting for the course to make it viable.